How to use grants for apartment developments?

[Samuel Coronado]

I am interested in building a series of duplexes and quadplexes to help increase the rental supply in my hometown. I have contractor connections who can help build them a little cheaper than normal considering the overall goal is lower than market rents. I also have a grant writer who is interested in helping in exchange for some other favors. A lot of horse trading going on over here, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end.

For those who have used grants, have you found the process too cumbersome to be worth it?  We are looking at "felon-friendly" housing and other initiatives.